It was an absolutely perfect Sunday and I was pleased as punch to be spending it at McCarren Pool. I met Rachel and Josue and got inside and had a beer while Oxford Collapse was setting up. Because I was still recovering from my Siren burns, acquired just the day before, we opted to catch the first set from the shade of one of the Helio tents. Oxford Collapse played the majority of their set in their three man formation. They did a nice Meat Puppets cover to switch it up a bit, though it was definitely in their style. Near the end they were joined on stage by a couple more guys and they disassembled the drum kit and spread across the stage. In addition to this there was also a saxophone and trumpet out on stage. They played a good long song with heavy meandering jams; it was a great end to the set.
Between Oxford Collapse and Annuals we played a little bit of volleyball, went on the slip n’ slide, and ate some peanuts. While Annuals started up their set Rachel and I headed over to see the madness that is McCarren dodge ball. This tournament was pretty intense last year, but by the looks of it, the intensity has only heightened. It is feverish, and the people who opt to play are really very good. This is one of the best things about the McCarren pool parties, is that you can go anywhere in the pool and do any number of activities and still be, sonically, at the show. The music is everywhere. Annuals sounded pretty good. They have two drummers and two keyboardists. Makes for a pretty, full sound. Everyone seemed really impressed with how hot the girl keyboardist was. She was okay. They played that song “Brothers” and it was really beautiful.
Band of Horses played last and most everyone moved in from the periphery to join the crowd in front of the stage. This is my second time seeing them live, and I’m pleased to say that both times was outdoors. They feel like an outdoor stage band. They played a whole bunch of new stuff, which I’m hoping is an indication of an imminent arrival of the forthcoming album. “Funeral” sounded especially good on this day. When the set was over Rachel and I set off to meet Josue at the kickball fields. It was a really lovely Sunday. If you’re in town, get your ass on that RSVP list for this weekend, It’s Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, the Thermals and Birds of Avalon. And it’s all free. JellyNYC seems to have figured something out here.
Keep checking in for more Pool Party reviews, including TV on the Radio and Celebration. And check out our review of the first two weeks, and last year’s!
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